SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO OPTIMIZE YOUR PERFORMANCE FROM HOME

Feeling like your world has been thrown for a loop? Build your resilience by focusing on the building blocks that will optimize your performance.

With the world’s volatile situation and limitations affecting everyday life, it’s important to find ways to keep yourself balanced in your wellness journey. These simple tips are helpful in the current situation, but they should follow you on your journey as the situation normalizes. Use these strategies across the four pillars of mindset, nutrition, movement, and recovery to keep you resilient along the way.

1.Start with gratitude and a plan

Start your day by adopting a mindset of gratitude. Make a list of meaningful things that you’re thankful for, like relationships, jobs, opportunities, possessions, and conveniences. Then pick one item from your list that stands out the most. Come up with three reasons why you’re thankful for this item and write them down. Use your list to center yourself during the day when negativity creeps in.

Then harness your mindset to control your day by planning for modifications to your usual routine.

Build in the extra elements of working from home by setting aside time to play with your kids, have a family lunch, or walk the dog.

2.Use food to fuel your mind and body

Stay fueled and hydrated to sustain your energy and focus, lower stress, and boost metabolism. No matter your schedule, kickstart your day with an energizing meal and continue fueling and hydrating periodically throughout the day. We recommend colorful vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, fish, and lean meats.

When you come to the table, commit to nourishing your mind, body, and spirit with intentional food choices that keep you energized and resilient while trying to stay productive and healthy from home.

When you’re making menus, keep food simple and natural, or minimally processed and responsibly sourced.

And even though it may be difficult (or impossible) to meet in person right now, it’s still important to build community through food. Consider sharing a virtual meal to stay connected with loved ones. Let these shared meals remind you of special occasions, people, or places.

3.Mix up your movement routine

Movement doesn’t always have to be the same. Do your workouts using whatever you have around the house. Try wearing a backpack filled with cans while you squat or lunge. A tennis ball works great for rolling out tight muscles, and a large beach towel doubles as a stretch rope.

If you have children, find fun ways to include them in your effort to stay moving. start a jump rope challenge. Use from medicine balls for strength your muscles in home.

4.Take a breath for better recovery

Tap into the power of your body with some simple breathing techniques. Breathing can help with nervous system function, proper motor function, relaxation, focus, and efficiency. Make sure to breathe low into your diaphragm, expanding your rib cage top to bottom, back to front, and to the sides.

“During moments of anxiety, breathe in for six counts, hold for four counts, and breathe out for 10 counts, and repeat until you feel a sense of calm.”

This is usually after three to five rounds. For an even deeper relaxation at bedtime, breathe in for six counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for 12 counts.

And speaking of bedtime, stick to your regular bedtime routine. Set an alert to remind you to go to bed at the same time every night, just as you do when you wake up. It’s also key to limit screen time before bed, not only to combat the effects of light on your ability to fall asleep, but also give your brain a break from the news and thoughts that make you anxious.

Presented by Keyvan Hassanpoor